Ellis University Home | About Ellis | Request Information

Ellis University

Online Interdisciplinary Courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program

(please click to jump to your concentration)

Accounting
Business Law
Business and the Internet
Corrections
Crime Scene Analysis
Entrepreneurial Managment
Finance
Fraud Investigation
Hospitality Management
Human Resources Managment
International Business
Marketing
Paralegal Studies
Political Science and the Law

Concentration in Accounting

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

Examines the importance of cost accounting to the various levels of management and the dual function of cost as an information system and as a tool for planning and control. Concepts in the accumulation of manufacturing costs, job order, and process costs systems are stressed. A study of budgets and standard cost systems as a function for planning and control; direct costing, break-even and cost-volume-profit analysis, as an aid to decision making. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ACC 110

Fund accounting for nonprofit organizations such as governmental units, universities, hospitals, foundations and charitable institutions. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ACC 210

back to top

Concentration in Business Law

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

An introductory course with emphasis on the law of contracts and agency. Designed to give a basic understanding of the legal aspect s of contractual obligations and agency relationships. (3 credits)

Law of property, application of Uniform Commercial Code to sales transactions and secured transactions, bankruptcy and related subjects. A study of government regulations as applied to business activities.. Designed to give a basic understanding of legal problems in the marketing and transportation of goods. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MGT 209

The management of human resources takes place in a complex legal environment which places obligations and responsibilities on the employer and extends protections and rights to the employee. Federal and state requirements in EEO, employment standards, wages, job security, safety and health, workers compensation and other benefits will be covered. Integration of such requirements in day-to-day management practices is emphasized. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MGT 209

The Internet raises a multitude of legal issues in many areas. Among the issues covered in this course are privacy, electronic contracts, trademarks and domain names, content protection, jurisdiction, regulation, civil and criminal liability, and cyber crime. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: senior status

back to top

Concentration in Business and the Internet

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

A study of organizations and of the activities of the manager in an organization. The course follows a functional approach, analyzing such management concepts as organizing decentralization, use of staff, human relations, conflict, decision making, planning, supervision, communication, and financial and production control systems such as budgeting and PERT. (3 credits)

The Internet raises a multitude of legal issues in many areas. Among the issues covered in this course are privacy, electronic contracts, trademarks and domain names, content protection, jurisdiction, regulation, civil and criminal liability, and cyber crime. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: senior status

Communications, business processing and service concepts are introduced along with other web-based techniques. Application of e-commerce to various areas within management is discussed. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MIS 101

Shows how the Internet can be leveraged to acquire, retain and delight consumers. Students gain a strategic and tactical marketing perspective, with an emphasis on integrating online and offline marketing activities. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

back to top

Concentration in Corrections

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

This course provides an overview of corrections component of the criminal justice system. The student will be introduced to institutional and community-based aspects of corrections. Underlying theoretical and philosophical underpinnings will be discussed as well as ancient and early historical periods of correctional development. An overview of modern day corrections will be presented to demonstrate the full evolution of the correctional process throughout the United States. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 110

This course provides an in-depth examination of various treatment practices within both the institutional and the community-based setting. Assessment, classification and risk prediction, the correctional counseling process, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness are all presented. This course places particular emphasis on counseling paradigms and techniques that are commonly used in correctional programs. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PSY 310

This course focuses on the juvenile segment of the correctional system in the United States. The history of juvenile corrections is provided with detailed emphasis on the rationale behind the juvenile correctional process. Specific attention is given to the reformative nature of juvenile corrections. Further emphasis on modern juvenile correctional systems, classification, and treatment planning is provided. This course presents both institutional and community-based programs commonly used throughout the United States. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: CRJ 240, SOC 330

This course provides a detailed investigation of the various criminal subgroups that are commonly encountered in custodial institutions and on community supervision caseloads. Sex offenders, geriatric offenders, juvenile offenders, female offenders, mentally ill offenders, and offenders with communicable diseases are addressed. These various offender typologies present unique challenges for correctional workers; students will gain an understanding of the complications that often face correctional staff and supervisors that must contend with these specialized offender groups. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: CRJ 240, PSY 310

back to top

Concentration in Crime Scene Analysis

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

Introduction to criminal investigation in the field. Analysis and explanation of conduct at the crime scene, strategies for interviewing and interrogating witnesses and suspects, techniques of surveillance and preservation of evidence for presentation in court. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 110

Documentation, collection, and preservation of comprehensive physical evidence; latent fingerprints, trace and biological evidence processing and collection techniques. Biohazard and other safety concerns are stressed in this course. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 250

This course provides an exploration of the potentiality of physical evidence through an examination of the wide scope of the forensic sciences. Fundamental overview of crime laboratory analytical techniques, historical development of the scientific investigation of crime, exploration of the current state of instrumentation and technology, concentration on relevancy of laboratory results to the overall investigative effort from the field investigator’s perspective. This course also covers advanced latent fingerprint development techniques. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 350

AND 1 of the following:

This course exposes students to the science of photography, in general, and special techniques and legal requirements in the application of photography in criminal justice contexts. This course will stress the proper use of camera, film, and light in diverse law enforcement applications such as crime scene investigations and surveillance. This course also covers legal admissibility of recorded images, including videography and digital photographs. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 110

This course focuses on the investigation of violent, sudden, unexpected, and suspicious deaths through an examination of pathologies, artifacts of decomposition, and trauma. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 250

An interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of behavioral evidence present at the crime scene; a synthesis of criminal psychology with scientific theory and methodology to combine discrete data into a more meaningful whole. Special emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of psychopathic behavior. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: CRJ 250, PSY 210, PSY 310

back to top

Concentration in Entrepreneurial Management

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

An examination of required skills, resources and techniques that transform an idea into a viable business. Entrepreneurial decision making will be stressed and the role it plays in idea generation, conception, opportunity analysis, marshalling of resources, implementation of plans, management of ongoing operations and providing for growth will be stressed. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: MGT 201, MKT 101, ACC 101

This survey of Knowledge Management examines the prevailing trends in Knowledge Management. Areas covered include KnowledgeWare technologies, The Learning Organization, Knowledge Management and Leadership and Organizational Design, introduction to systems approach and systems thinking, Knowledge Management Payoffs, the four underlying pillars of Knowledge Management. (3 credits)

Introduces the activities required in the process of production of products and delivery of services. Background of concepts, processes and institutions in the production of goods and services will be covered. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: MGT 201 and MGT 302

This course is designed to provide new entrepreneurs and business leaders with a solid background of ethical behavior as it relates to the issues they will face in many aspects of their professional and personal lives. Building on the fundamentals of ethics as evolved from great thinkers who explored issues of evil, duty and right from a moralistic viewpoint, this course will bring those eternal questions to current topics in business through debate and analysis. (3 credits)

back to top

Concentration in Finance

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

A critical review of corporate financial reports and associated footnotes from the perspectives of different potential users including: creditors, management and investors. Use of financial statements in the assessment of business performance. Exposure to methods for the adaptation of financial statements for decision-making. Topics include: statements of income, balance sheet, cash flow from operation and free cash flow; financial ratio analysis, cash budgets, pro forma statements, forecasting growth potential and financial requirements; quality of earnings, inventory valuation, and depreciation methods. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FIN 201

An overview of the financial management function in modern business, emphasizing the time value of money and financial analysis. The financial and economic environment and capital markets and securities are covered. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ACC 101, ECO 201, MAT 125

Focus is on corporate financial decisions and policy. Topics include: capital budgeting and financing decisions, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions and financial failures. Risk/return considerations are examined in the context of value maximization. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FIN 201

And EITHER:

An introduction to the management of short-term or current accounts of the firm to optimize the risk/return profile. Management of the liquid assets of the firm, which comprise a substantial portion of total assets, has become more significant because of the increasing range of management techniques and technologies. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FIN 201

OR:

A detailed examination of portfolio management and capital market theory including a review of material on efficient markets, the basic Markowitz portfolio model and the capital asset pricing model. The above concepts in terms of international diversification and the evaluation of portfolio performance are covered. Traditional equity and bond valuation techniques will also be investigated. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: FIN 201

back to top

Concentration in Fraud Investigation

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

Financial statement fraud and occupational fraud will be studied including billing schemes, cash larceny, conflicts of interest, bribery and corruption and financial statement schemes. Upon leaving the course, students will have an understanding of how crimes are committed by an organization's management, employees and by outside parties. Students will gain an understanding of basic investigation techniques. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 250

Students in this course will obtain an understanding of the legal requirements for fraud prevention within an organization, and will gain an understanding of policies, procedures, and internal controls intended to prevent fraudulent activity. An analysis of corporate governance will be discussed, including ethics and fraud policies and procedures, Sarbanes-Oxley fraud prevention requirements, and an analysis of accounting control systems. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: CRJ 250

Advanced study of types of fraud, documents, sources of evidence, and analysis of internal and external fraud schemes with an emphasis on the skills needed to identify and investigate fraudulent activity. Major fraud case investigation will be used with an emphasis on forensic and litigation support. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: CRJ 250, CRJ 451

During the course of fraud investigations, varied electronic data investigation techniques are used, including computer forensics, data analysis, data mining of accounting information, and public record searches utilizing the Internet and commercial service bureaus. Students will come away from this class with knowledge of such computer-aided techniques which help to streamline investigations. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: CRJ 250, CRJ 450

back to top

Concentration in Hospitality Management

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

The basic principles of management and their relationship to the hospitality industry. The future of the restaurant industry, travel and tourism, hotel/motel operations, leadership and the directing function in hospitality management. Many other current topics will also be discussed. (3 credits)

Introduction to maintenance and engineering principles required to today’s lodging and food service operations including technical information necessary to establish effective preventive maintenance programs. Study includes engineering and maintenance department roles and responsibilities, blueprint reading, electric, plumbing, sewer, swimming pool, HVAC, elevator, acoustic and sound control, and elimination of pollution problems. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: HOS 101

And TWO of the following:

This course will teach students to develop an understanding of front office procedures with emphasis on new methods of group reception, registration and billings. Other areas that will be covered are the structure of the front office management, credit and collection procedures. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: HOS 101

Operation of casinos from the hospitality management perspective. Topics include the theories of operation, games management, legal restrictions and service functions. Students will also learn loss control and rules of the most popular games in casinos. (3 credits)

Theory and operation of convention meeting planning for hotels and conference centers. Principles of bookkeeping, account processing, sales, banquet/catering management as they apply to these operations. Other related current topics will be covered. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: HOS 101

Comprehensive study of the control process in food and beverage operations, with a look at various alternatives and available solutions and methods. Areas of study include cash receipts, receiving, menu pricing and labor cost controls. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: HOS 101

Detailed comprehensive study of the origins, production and characteristics of all types of alcoholic beverages. Other areas that will be explored include purchasing beverages, merchandising, and beverage control. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: HOS 101

Acquaints students with two major components of Travel and Tourism: hospitality (hotels, motor inns, resorts, alternative accommodations and related occupations: bus operations, land arrangers and tour operators) and retail travel agency organization, operation, administration, personnel and sales. (3 credits)

back to top

Concentration in Human Resources Management

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

An introduction to the management of human resources for the effective support and achievement of an organization’s strategies and goals. The major functions of planning and staffing, employee development and involvement, compensation and reward and employee relations are examined. Decision-making skills in these areas are developed through class assignments. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MGT 201

The course is designed to meet two objectives: to introduce the student to the background and relationships between economics, public policy, unionism, and business management and their impact upon management -labor relations; to provide a basic orientation to the framework, processes, and strategies involved in collective bargaining and the resolution of labor grievances and arbitration in management-labor relations. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MGT 315

Elements of a rational and objective compensation system are examined. Review of economic and behavioral science theories underlying modern compensation systems. Wage and salary administration, techniques of job evaluation, performance appraisal and wage surveys, role of employee benefits are studied. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MGT 315

A consideration of relationships between business enterprise and the societal and political milieu in which these enterprises operate. New concepts in business ethics and corporate responsibility. Government regulation of business activity. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLS 110

back to top

Concentration in International Business

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

A study of international trade, investment, finance and economic cooperation. Topics include theory and techniques of international trade, the U.S. in international trade, tariffs and quotas, foreign aid programs, foreign exchange markets and hedging exposure to foreign exchange risk. Operations of multinational corporations, economic integration and cooperation, balance of payments and international adjustment mechanisms and international indebtedness. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ECO 201

Techniques for analyzing and understanding the world of international business. Students will examine the challenges posed by the multinational firm and the dynamic nature of international business. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: MGT 201, MKT 101, ACC 101

The course is designed to sensitize the student to the cultural antecedents of managing promotional activities in international settings. Of special concern are the areas of advertising, public relations, publicity, personal selling and negotiations. Management of these functions will be investigated within the context of methodologies applicable to measurement and understanding of cultures, customs and business practices. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

Designed to develop a systematic approach for analyzing trends shaping the global marketplace. Among others, physical, cultural, socio-demographic, legal/political and technological factors are explored. Emphasis is placed on development and implementation of optimal marketing programs to capitalize on emerging market opportunities as well as the avoidance of the pitfalls inherent in cross-national marketing activities. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

back to top

Concentration in Marketing

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

Study of the process by which consumers’ needs and wants are analyzed and satisfied within the context of a modern marketing system. Investigation of current developments in the external environment affecting the marketing process. The role of marketing institutions in facilitating the flow of goods and services from producers to consumers is analyzed. (3 credits)

Planning, supervising and evaluating the sales force efforts within the guidelines set by strategic marketing planning are the principal responsibilities of sales managers. This course examines both the theory and practices that are encompassed within the role of sales manager. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

Research activity in the field of marketing, methods of data collection and analysis thereof, quantitative techniques in marketing, the role of the computer in marketing research, control and evaluation of the marketing function. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 301

And EITHER:

Techniques and practices applied to conceiving, developing, launching, and managing new products. An in-depth evaluation of the life cycle concept will analyze various stages and how careful planning and managing can extend it. The product management concept and its effectiveness as a management tool will also be studied. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

OR:

A firm’s promotional efforts focus on developing and managing integrated marketing communications. This course studies the planning and implementation of demand stimulating promotion, i.e. advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and publicity/public relations. Promotion is seen as a key element of the marketing mix that contributes to an organization’s cohesive marketing strategy. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MKT 101

 
back to top

Concentration in Paralegal Studies

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

This course is designed to introduce the student to the paralegal profession, its ethics, tasks and role in the legal system. Included will be discussions and reviews of the skills and concepts necessary to be competent in the paralegal profession. Those skills and concepts include, but are not limited to, legal terminology; relationships between the paralegal, the attorney, law office staff, the client, and the legal system; ethics, regulation, etc. (3 credits)

Overview of the Constitution and the American legal system. This course covers such topics as torts, contracts, criminal law and procedure, business organizations and administrative law. In addition, students are introduced to case law interpretation and legal analysis. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 110

This course will provide an introduction to the broad area of civil wrongs and their appropriate remedies as well as Tort Law principles in the traditional areas of intentional torts, negligence, absolute liability, product liability, nuisance and commonly employed defenses. (3 credits)
 Prerequisite: PLG 130

This course examines the formation, modification and termination of contracts, the various remedies for breach and enforcement mechanisms. Students explore the elements of contract including offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity and legality. In addition, the students will learn how courts employ contractual analysis to matters which do not meet the definition of a contract. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: PLG 130

back to top

Concentration in Political Science and the Law

Interdisciplinary courses in this program include:

This course is an introduction to the processes of the American form of democratic government, the nature and structure of US government, its chief characteristics and functions. Special attention is paid to the intimate relation and mutual impact of government and the people on each other, expanding the students’ awareness of the effects of governmental decision on the American People. (3 credits)

This course covers the judicial process and its evolution, the rights of accused persons, and the administration of justice in the light of the elementary foundations and functions of substantive and adjective law. The theoretical aspects of basic concepts will be examined, but the stress will be on the practical aspects. (3 credits)
 Prerequisite: PLS 110

This course covers changing values and patterns of judicial behavior, federal courts and the power of judicial review, fundamental constitutional principles, nationalization and enforcement of the Bill of Rights, the Supreme Court’s policy-making role and its effect on economic policy, and the controversy over the arbiter role of the court. Included will be an analysis of constitutional development of rights and duties of the people, and the role of the government as an institution. (3 credits)
 Prerequisite: PLS 110

The nature of international law, the organization of the community of nations, the United Nations system, the regional organizations of the bloc type, the substantive rules of international law, procedures for the pacific settlement of international disputes, international and social cooperation, and prospects for a development system of world order through international organization. (3 credits)
 Prerequisite: PLS 110